Workshop based on the National Study of Youth and Religion. Radical Disciples Religious Robots

 North American research project conducted from August 2001 – December  Identify the spiritual lives of adolescents through to young adults to help shape American youth ministry.

 A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth.  God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.  The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.  God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.  Good people go to heaven when they die

 It views God as "something like a combination Divine Butler and Cosmic Therapist: he's always on call, takes care of any problems that arise, professionally helps his people to feel better about themselves, and does not become too personally involved in the process.“

 Young persons faith is a barometer, useful for measuring and ministry of the church in which they belong.  Assuming this is correct, what does Moralistic Therapeutic Deism tell us about the directions many churches are taking?

 Using measurement tools such as: willingness to talk about faith, articulation of faith, active involvement in faith practices and missional imagination... The top 3 go to...  3. Conservative Protestant Churches  2. Black African American Churches  1. Mormon Church

2 Key Considerations Creed Community Call Hope Radical Jesus Vision Incarnation Missional Imagination Gospel Embodiment

 Creed  Community  Call  Hope for the Future

 Aligns well with Old Testament and New Testament Principals.  Bear in mind this is also a sociological phenomena, we desire transformation of the heart, not simply socialization into our religion.  Therefore the centrality of Christ is the central message of consideration # 1

 Radical Jesus Vision  Incarnation  Missional Imagination  Gospel embodiment

 Write your own and share!

Christians point to life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as evidence of God’s love and power (creed); we know the faith community as the body of Christ (community); we understand our purpose as following Jesus as his disciples (call); and we live in confidence that Christ will ultimately overcome the world’s suffering (hope). Thus, Jesus is simply not an optional category for Christians.

For 2011, rethink your youth programs in the light of...  Creed How do you tell the whole story?  Community Involved in the stories and actions of the faith community  Call Active personal involvement in the Mission of Christ.  Hope Assurance of the rest of the story and promises of God.